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Dear #RPSStrong Family,
Happy Friday! Tonight's updates:
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Yale Showcase – The Yale National Initiative will hold a showcase for teachers on Tuesday, December 5, from 5 - 6:30 pm at A.V. Norrell (2120 Fendall Ave). Come on out to learn all about this incredible program! For more information, please email Valerie Schwarz.
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Parent Advocacy Opportunity – Do you have a student with an IEP and you'd like to learn more about the special education process and how to advocate on your child's behalf? The Parent Education Advocacy Training Center, in collaboration with the Virginia Department of Education, is offering a free online training course. The training takes approximately six hours, and can be accessed anytime until December 12.
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Teen Summit RVA – High school students, this one's for you! Mark your calendars for the 2024 Teen Summit RVA leadership conference on February 24. This year's theme – "I Am" – is all about the power of self-affirmation. Registration is free and opens on January 15. To receive event updates, please be sure to complete the interest form.
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Dreams4RPS – We've got several Dreams4RPS community meetings scheduled for next week, including our first virtual town hall on Tuesday, December 5, at 6 pm. Visit our website to find a meeting location near you!
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With great appreciation,
Jason
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| Shout-Outs – Please help us continue to inspire and uplift the RPS community by submitting shout-outs to shoutouts@rvaschools.net. Entries can be submitted in Spanish or English!
- I would like to give the biggest shout-out to the Thomas Jefferson HS science department. With Mr. Doug Barrett at the helm as department chair and teacher of the year, I am excited about the SOL outcomes for this semester. Thank you to Ms. Sobon, science specialist, for always being a helping hand! We Got This!
- Thank you so much to Ms. Eeman and Ms. Surprize from Greater Richmond SCAN for coming to Oak Grove-Bellemeade Elementary School today to help the staff de-stress before the winter holiday. We enjoyed our time together and hope you can come back soon!
- Shout-out to Ms. C. Wilson at G.W. Carver Elementary. She is my daughter’s kindergarten teacher and my daughter absolutely adores her. She is patient and engaging and our family loves her. Thank you for all you do.
- I just wanted to give a massive shout-out to Ms. Patillo, Ms. Diggs, Mrs. Robertson, and Assistant Principal Dr. Otey at Miles Jones Elementary School. These women exemplify teamwork and always make teaching about reaching the students the best way possible! Thank you for your good, professional energy!
- I would like to give a huge shout-out to the following Facilities team members: James, Harry and Dominique. Thank you for your dedication and hard work!
- I would like to shout-out Mr. Bets at Lois Harrison-Jones ES. He has a passion for the students, the building, and everyone that comes through the doors! He keeps our building safe and clean and is an amazing role model for the students! Thank you for everything you do.
- I'd like to give a shout-out to our Next Level staff member, Ms. Phillips-Robinson at Amelia Street School. She is an incredible educator and it is so clear how much she cares about each of her students. We are lucky to have her as a part of our team!
- Cardinal Elementary would like to send a shout-out to Ms. Lindsey Ribble. Ms. Ribble ran a wonderful book fair! Students could not wait to buy new books each day! Great job, Ms. Ribble! Also, huge shout-out to all of the faculty and staff who assisted with the book fair at Cardinal. Your devotion to our students and our library is unmatched. Thank you for your assistance throughout the week!
- Shout-out to Mr. Patterson at Westover Hills Elementary School! Your kindness and eager willingness to help always brightens my day. Thank you for going out of your way to help me this morning! And shout-out to Ms. Radcliffe at Westover Hills Elementary School! Thank you for challenging your students to grow and do their best work. Thank you for having a holistic approach to education, for modeling genuine care, and for creating opportunities for your students to build their friendships and invest in one another. We appreciate all of the extra time and effort you pour into your class!
- Melanie Agee-Wade is a "class act" and everyone at J.L. Francis appreciates her support, consistency, and organization. Her demeanor is always upbeat and positive. Thanks for always putting the children first and being amazing...hats off!
- Shout-out to the entire 6th grade team at Henderson. Despite staff shortages and lots of different learning abilities in their students, these teachers show up every day and put in so much energy. Ms. Coleman is a sub and yet she has figured out how to help her group with all the tools she can find. Mr. Parris makes differentiating, providing materials in various formats, keeping class interesting, and managing behaviors (all at the same time) almost look easy – experience + love! Ms. Yoder is a brand new teacher and she is filling in the gap by providing support for a colleague who is currently on leave, and does so all while maintaining her kindness with students. LIEP teacher Ms. Ellwanger is going above and beyond as well, stepping into the gap to support her students.
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| Reminders from Previous RPS Directs
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| Energy Assistance – Winter is quickly approaching and we want to make sure all families are prepared for the cold temperatures. Please remember that Dominion Energy has payment programs to assist families experiencing financial hardship. For a full list of Dominion Energy customer assistance options, visit their website or call 866-366-4357.
EnergyShare Bill Payment Assistance
- Anyone needing help to pay heating bills may qualify for assistance
- Not income-based
- Individuals 60 and older, military veterans, and people with disabilities may be eligible for additional assistance
- Offers up to $600 in bill payment assistance from October 1 through May 31
- For more information, visit Virginia 211
Extended Payment Plans
- Extended payment plans to assist customers who have fallen behind on their electric bills
- Eligible customers can make a 50% down payment on their past due bill and spread the remaining balance over 6 months (sign-in to your Dominion Energy account online to apply)
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| RPS Links
Crisis Support Links
Health and Wellness Links
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